A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in about one quarter (25 percent) of patients with diabetes. They are commonly located on the bottom of the foot. These ulcers increase admission to the hospital and amputations, with about a quarter being admitted to hospital and a quarter of them having an amputation. Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations and 85 percent of people who get an amputation had an ulcer first. Research has shown, however, that development of a foot ulcer is preventable, in most cases.
Causes
Anyone who has diabetes can develop a foot ulcer. Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and older men are more likely to develop ulcers. People who use insulin are at higher risk of developing a foot ulcer, as are patients with diabetes-related kidney, eye, and heart disease. Being overweight and using alcohol and tobacco also play a role in the development of foot ulcers.
Ulcers form due to a combination of factors, such as lack of feeling in the foot, poor circulation, foot deformities, irritation (such as friction or pressure), and trauma, as well as duration of diabetes. Patients who have diabetes for many years can develop neuropathy, a reduced or complete lack of ability to feel pain in the feet due to nerve damage caused by elevated blood glucose levels over time. The nerve damage often can occur without pain, and one may not even be aware of the problem. Your podiatrist will test your feet for neuropathy with a simple, painless tool called a monofilament.
Vascular disease can complicate a foot ulcer, reducing the body’s ability to heal and increasing the risk for an infection. Elevations in blood glucose can reduce the body’s ability to fight off a potential infection and also slow healing.
Symptoms
Because many people who develop foot ulcers have lost the ability to feel pain, pain is not a common symptom. Many times, the first thing you may notice is some drainage on your socks. Redness and swelling may also be associated with the ulceration and, if it has progressed significantly, odor or a bad smell may be present.
When to visit a podiatrist
Once an ulcer is noticed, seek medical care immediately. Foot ulcers in patients with diabetes should be treated quickly to reduce the risk of infection and amputation, improve function and quality of life, and reduce healthcare costs.
Diagnosis and treatment
The primary goal in the treatment of foot ulcers is to obtain healing as soon as possible. The faster the healing, the less chance for an infection.
There are several key factors in the appropriate treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer:
• Prevention of infection
• Taking the pressure off the area, called “offloading”
• Removing dead skin and tissue, called “debridement”
• Applying medication or dressings to the ulcer
• Managing blood glucose and other health problems
Not all ulcers are infected. However, if your podiatrist diagnoses an infection, a treatment program of antibiotics, wound care, and possibly hospitalization will be necessary.
To keep an ulcer from becoming infected, it is important to:
• Keep blood glucose levels under tight control
• Keep the ulcer clean and bandaged
• Cleanse the wound daily, using a wound dressing or bandage
• Avoid walking barefoot
For optimum healing, ulcers, especially those on the bottom of the foot, must be “offloaded”. You may be asked to wear special foot gear, or a brace, specialized castings, or use a wheelchair or crutches. These devices will reduce the pressure and irritation to the area with the ulcer and help to speed the healing process.
The science of wound care has advanced significantly over the past 10 years. The old thought of “let the air get at it” is now known to be harmful to healing. We know that wounds and ulcers heal faster, with a lower risk of infection, if they are kept covered and moist. The use of full-strength betadine, hydrogen peroxide, and soaking – not even in the sea are not recommended, as these practices could lead to further complications and delay healing.
Appropriate wound management includes the use of dressings and topically-applied medications. Products range from normal saline to growth factors, special ulcer dressings, and skin substitutes that have been shown to be highly effective in healing foot ulcers.
For a wound to heal, there must be adequate blood flow area. Your podiatrist will check your blood flow by performing non-invasive tests in the office.
Tightly controlling blood glucose is of the utmost importance during the treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer. Working closely with your medical doctor or endocrinologist to control blood glucose will enhance healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Surgical options
A majority of non-infected foot ulcers are treated without surgery; however, if this treatment does not work to heal the wound, surgery may be needed. Examples of surgery may be to remove pressure on the affected area, include shaving or excision of bone(s), and the correction of various deformities, such as hammertoes, bunions, or bony “bumps”.
Healing time depends on a variety of factors such as, wound size and location, pressure on the wound from walking or standing, swelling, circulation, blood glucose levels, wound care, and what is being applied to the wound. Healing may occur within weeks or may require several months.
Prevention
The best way to treat a diabetic foot ulcer is to prevent it in the first place. Recommended guidelines include seeing a podiatrist on a regular basis. Your podiatrist will determine your risk of developing a foot ulcer and implement strategies to prevent them.
You are at high risk for developing a foot wound if you have or do the following:
• Neuropathy
• Poor circulation
• A foot deformity (e.g., bunion, hammer toe)
• Wear the wrong type or sized shoes
• Uncontrolled blood sugar
• History of a previous foot ulceration or amputation
• Smoke
Reducing additional risk factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, high cholesterol, and elevated blood glucose are important in preventing and treating a diabetic foot ulcer. Wearing the appropriate shoes and socks will go a long way in reducing your risks. Your podiatrist can provide guidance in selecting the best shoes for you.
Learning how to check your feet is crucial, so that you can find a potential problem as early as possible. Inspect your feet every day – especially the sole, and between the toes – for cuts, bruises, cracks, blisters, redness, ulcers, and any sign of abnormality. Each time you visit a healthcare provider, remove your shoes and socks, so your feet can be examined. Any problems that are discovered should be reported to your podiatrist as soon as possible – no matter how simple they may seem to you.
The key to successful wound healing is seeing the podiatrist regularly to ensure the following “gold standard” of care:
• Lowering blood sugar
• Appropriate debridement of wounds
• Treating any infection
• Reducing friction and pressure by offloading
• Restoring adequate blood flow.
• For more information on foot conditions, visit www.apma.org, healthcentral.com, or email us at foothealth242@gmail.com. To see a podiatrist, visit Bahamas Foot Centre, Rosetta Street, or telephone 325-2996 for an appointment at Bahamas Surgical Associates Centre, Hilltop Medical, or call 394-5820 for an appointment. You can also visit Lucayan Medical Centre in Freeport, Grand Bahama, or telephone 373-7400 for an appointment.
